Chronic runny nose in children. How and how to treat a prolonged runny nose in a child. Causes of a prolonged runny nose

In most cases, a runny nose in children is acute - the symptoms appear suddenly, increase rapidly and gradually disappear after a few days. Together with nasal breathing, the general condition of the patient is restored - fever, weakness, headache. Such a runny nose can be repeated more than once during the year, most often caused by viruses of the respiratory group - rhinoviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus. However, sometimes manifestations of rhinitis persist even after 10 days of illness or longer. How to treat lingering runny nose The child has? It is necessary to understand if there are any complications, find out what nature (infectious, allergic) nasal congestion has and, in accordance with this, select the appropriate pharmacological agents.

The reasons

The problem of prolonged runny nose in childhood relevant enough - such a phenomenon can occur in quite small child both in preschoolers and adolescents. A long runny nose causes reasonable concern, since it often indicates the development of complications of the primary pathological process - rhinitis, that is, inflammation of the nasal mucosa. What to do if the child cannot breathe through the nose? To understand whether there is a need for treatment, you need to find out what is the reason for the long-term persistence of symptoms.

Most often accompanied by acute respiratory infections (ARI), which are usually combined with the simplified concept of "cold". ARI can be caused by viruses or bacteria that are transmitted by airborne droplets- thus, the nasal mucosa is the "entrance gate" of the infection, the first to encounter the causative agent of the disease. In most cases, a runny nose is acute, culminating in recovery for 7–8, less often 7–10 days.

Not uncommon in childhood is also allergic rhinitis- The duration of the course varies from several days to several weeks. Among the prerequisites for development are frequent respiratory infections, chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system. With this pathology, the child is sensitive to a variety of allergens, contact with which maintains the activity of allergic inflammation.

Prolonged runny nose can also be associated with:

with the development of sinusitis;
with the development of adenoiditis;
with unsatisfactory microclimate conditions in the children's room (dry, overheated air, excess dust);
with the incorrect use of decongestants, or vasoconstrictor drugs for the nose (development of vasomotor).

Thus, a prolonged runny nose in a child lasts longer than 10 days, the cause may be infectious, allergic factors, unfavorable microclimate parameters, abuse of vasoconstrictor drops.

A prolonged runny nose may indicate a decrease in immune reactivity, that is, the presence of immunodeficiency, as well as the formation of a chronic infectious and inflammatory focus ( chronic rhinitis). It is important to start looking for the cause as soon as possible, because initial stage changes in the pathological process can be completely or partially reversible, and it will be easier to improve the child's condition.

How to act

If the child does not get away with a runny nose, you first need to evaluate if there are other changes in the condition. So, weakness, swelling of the nasal mucosa, fever, thick, viscous purulent discharge from the nose that appeared on the background of rhinitis or almost immediately after recovery are likely signs of sinusitis or adenoiditis. Transparent highlights, pronounced swelling in combination with itching of the nose, eyes, sneezing - allergy symptoms. Dry and hot air leads to the appearance of congestion, periodic coughing without the manifestations characteristic of a cold or allergy. Medical rhinitis is characterized severe congestion nose, dependence on decongestant drops.

Install correct diagnosis only a pediatrician can, so do not postpone a visit to the clinic. It is necessary to tell the specialist in detail about what symptoms preceded the protracted runny nose, whether they were used in the treatment of the child vasoconstrictor drugs in the form of drops and sprays for the nose - in what dosages, how often, for how many days. To clarify the situation in controversial cases, can be used, general analysis blood and other studies recommended by the doctor.

How to cure a chronic runny nose in a child? The first priority is to normalize the conditions in the room where the child spends most time. Necessary:

Achieve humidity values in the range of 50-70%, maintain the temperature at 18-20 ° C.
Eliminate contact with irritants, which include dust, household chemicals, cosmetics, bird feather, tobacco smoke.
Exclude sharp drops temperature of the inhaled air, make sure that the room is regularly ventilated.
Free the room from things that can accumulate dust - heavy curtains, carpets, soft toys, fleecy bedspreads.
Monitor the child's diet - exclude allergenic foods (citrus fruits, cow's milk, chocolate, etc.), spicy, crumbling dishes.

To treat a prolonged runny nose, you must use saline solutions(Aqua Maris, Physiomer) for nasal lavage, administration in the form of drops - this will help moisturize and cleanse the mucous membrane.

Already these actions can help get rid of obsessive congestion, if its cause was excessive dryness of the air. Eliminating dust as a common allergen will also allow the child to breathe easier. The listed measures are useful for any type of prolonged runny nose, as they help to reduce the irritating effect on the inflamed mucous membrane - they are mandatory, even if drug therapy is prescribed.

Principles of treatment

How to cure a prolonged runny nose in a child with sinusitis or adenoiditis? Sinusitis, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, and adenoiditis, an inflammatory process in the area of a hypertrophically altered pharyngeal tonsil, can occur in isolation (any specific of the diseases) or occur in combination. With improper treatment or its absence, they turn into chronic form Therefore, it is very important to recognize and treat protracted rhinitis in time. Recommended:

washing the nose with saline solutions (Physiomer), antiseptics (Furacillin) - including the method of "moving", or "cuckoo";
the use of local antiseptics, antibiotics (Bioparox, Polydex);
inhalation of mucolytics, that is, mucus thinners (Fluimucil, Fluimucil Antibiotic IT);
the introduction of vasoconstrictor drops into the nose (Xylometazoline, Phenylephrine) - no longer than 5-7 days.

At purulent inflammation needed antibiotic therapy(Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin). Also shown are anti-inflammatory drugs (Tantum Verde, Sinupret, Pinosol, Hydrocortisone), physiotherapy (for example, laser therapy). "Cuckoo" is carried out by a children's ENT doctor in a medical institution.

What to do if an allergic lingering rhinitis occurs in a child - how to treat it in order to quickly alleviate the condition? Are used antihistamines(Desloratadine), topical glucocorticosteroids (Nasonex), decongestants. It is important to observe hypoallergenic diet, rinse and moisten the nose, if possible, identify allergens and avoid contact with them. Treatment of a protracted runny nose in children with allergies is carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician and a pediatric allergist.

To cure prolonged runny nose in a child with vasomotor drug-induced rhinitis, it is necessary to refuse vasoconstrictor drugs.

Development risk drug rhinitis exists already after 7 days of regular use of vasoconstrictor drops, and the recommended duration of use in childhood is up to 3 days. Sometimes strictly controlled use is allowed for 5–7 days. Vasomotor runny nose will not go away on its own if you continue to use the drops, and running cases require surgical intervention so treatment should be started as early as possible.

If a child has a runny nose for a long time due to misuse vasoconstrictor drops, the rejection of these drugs should be combined with nasal lavage, the appointment of topical glucocorticosteroids, physiotherapy. The course of treatment usually lasts several weeks.

Treating a runny nose that lasts longer than 10 days is not always an easy task. Selection of drugs and necessary procedures is carried out by the doctor, since in each case it is required individual approach, and drugs that are approved for older children may not always be used in a small child. It is necessary to correctly combine pharmacological agents and non-drug methods in order to achieve the speedy disappearance of congestion and improve the condition.

Parents concentrate their attention only on the symptoms of the disease, trying to eliminate them. Adults rarely understand what caused a prolonged runny nose in a child, not realizing that this can help them understand how to treat the pathology. After all, the disease may not be primary, but secondary, and in this case the child will not be cured until the root cause of the pathology is eliminated.

There are many pathogens that provoke the development of a very long runny nose in a child, so doctors decided to classify them to make it easier to navigate. The following groups of rhinitis are distinguished:

allergic;
infectious;
vasomotor.

Protracted is complicated by anatomical features baby's airways. There is another classification based on specific reasons.

These include:

An allergic reaction that leads to increased activation immune system body, as a result of which the child constantly secretes mucus. This process has a long duration and proceeds without raising the body temperature.
Sinusitis. This is a type of sinusitis that occurs due to an infection. Pathogenic microorganisms lead to an inflammatory process in the nasal sinus and the development bacterial rhinitis. Sinusitis is characterized pulling pain when the child leans forward, high fever and bad smell in the nose.
Vasomotor rhinitis. The doctor makes such a diagnosis if the runny nose does not go away already for a long time, a standard methods treatments don't help. The disease occurs when there is a violation of the neuro-reflex response mechanisms to external stimuli. This includes allergic rhinitis, combined with thickening of the nasal mucosa.
Vasoconstrictors. Overuse of such drugs has a significant effect on vascular motility, endocrine and vegetative system, which provokes a prolonged runny nose.
Low humidity. Dry air leads to damage to the mucous membrane, which causes active secretion of mucus. The natural barrier becomes weaker, allowing pathogens to enter the bloodstream. Such a runny nose does not go away until the child is provided comfortable conditions in room.
Adenoids. The growth of lymphoid cells in the nasopharynx provokes a violation of the swallowing function and respiratory function. Pathology is more often observed in children 3–7 years old after suffering from measles, scarlet fever, SARS and influenza. Adenoids lead to permanent rhinitis and are treated surgically.
Congenital pathologies and injuries. A narrow nasal canal impairs the evacuation of snot from the nostrils, and a crooked septum leads to ongoing irritation of the mucosa. In this case, a long runny nose can be cured only surgically.

After a thorough diagnosis, the doctor manages to find out the root cause that caused long runny nose The child has. Then you can carry out appropriate therapy and get rid of prolonged rhinitis.

How to cure a chronic runny nose in a child

The principle of treatment of the disease depends on factors such as the age of the baby and the cause of the pathology. This is due to the fact that a long runny nose in a child does not imply the use of most medications, because they are contraindicated for babies under one year old due to the risk side effects.

It is important to know the reason for the development of a prolonged runny nose in children, because it is enough to treat the primary disease. symptomatic therapy, and to combat secondary pathology the underlying ailment needs to be addressed.

The primary causes of a runny nose can be:

flu;
measles;
scarlet fever;
diphtheria;
whooping cough.

It should be remembered that such related factors like swelling, cough, fatigue, fever and high fever. This is necessary when choosing the type of therapy and determining the dosage of the drug.

Medical treatment

Most often applied symptomatic treatment, which affects itself slime layer nasal passages. In this case, special drops and sprays from viral rhinitis are used.

Such drugs are divided into four groups:

vasoconstrictor;
antibacterial;
antiviral;
antiseptic.

These include Nozerax, which is based on mometasone furoate, which effectively relieves the child of allergies and runny nose when the seasons change. The medicine comes in the form of a nasal spray. The dosage for children over two years of age is one spray in each nostril once a day.

Polydex renders complex effect through three components:

phenylephrine hydrochloride (narrows the lumen of blood vessels);
dexamethasone (reduces inflammation and allergic reaction);
sulfates of polymyxin and neomycin (antimicrobial action).

This medicine is used in the treatment chronic rhinitis as well as sinusitis and nasopharyngitis. A feature of the drug is that it is not recommended for use in children under two years of age. The spray can be injected 3 times a day for seven days.

Derinat has established itself in medicine as a drug especially broad action. They are treated with acute respiratory diseases, mucosal pathologies (including the eyes), and viral rhinitis. The drug is sold in the form of a solution, which should be instilled into the nose every two to three hours on the first day. In the following days, the dosage is reduced to three instillations. The course of treatment can reach a month, depending on the severity of the disease.

The advantage of Derinat is that it can be used even by newborns.

Inhalations

This method helps to avoid direct contact with the blood. medicinal substances and act directly on the focus of infection (nasopharynx). The method is very effective in the treatment of prolonged rhinitis and related complications.

If rhinitis is accompanied by a cough, inhalation will reduce irritation and inflammation of the nasopharyngeal mucosa by moisturizing. Such an environment will contribute to more efficient evacuation of sputum and snot.

For this procedure, nebulizers and inhalers are used. Doctors prescribe the use of mucolytics, which help thin the mucus (Fluimucil).

At home, you can prepare a good solution for. Mix St. John's wort, marigold flowers and mint in a tablespoon, then pour everything boiled water in the volume of one litre. After the liquid has been infused, it should be filtered and poured into the inhaler. The child must breathe this vapor for at least ten minutes to achieve the effect.

Folk methods of treatment

In the first years of a child's life, doctors try to avoid prescribing medications, since children at this age are more susceptible to the toxic effects of drugs on the body. Therefore, many parents prefer to choose folk remedies to cure a prolonged runny nose in a child, since the risk of side effects is minimal.

To combat pathogenic microflora, the following means are used:

nose drops based on aloe juice;
garlic or onion juice, mixed with water 1: 1, is instilled into the nostrils three times a day;
a decoction of one tablespoon of St. John's wort per 200 milliliters of boiling water, filtered through a sieve, is used as nasal drops 5 times a day.

The well-known time-tested mustard plasters or cans on the back are used, which dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation, which leads to a decrease in mucus secretion. The same effect can be obtained from hot foot and hand baths, but this method is suitable for older children. It is recommended to set the optimal humidity in the children's room to improve the effect.

Features of a protracted runny nose in infants

Prolonged runny nose in infants develops for the same reason as in adults: allergic reactions, microbial infections and disturbances in the vasomotor system. But the treatment for such children is different, as they have their own age characteristics.

In some cases, a prolonged runny nose does not require treatment and does not provoke any complications. Such rhinitis is called physiological. It develops due to the natural adaptation of the inner lining of the nose to new conditions. environment baby. This happens between two and four months.

If a prolonged runny nose in infants is not physiological, then doctors try not to prescribe as medical therapy synthetic drugs. It is recommended to use a saline solution, a decoction of yarrow or calendula as nasal drops.

Prolonged runny nose, or chronic rhinitis, is characterized by severe inflammation nasal mucosa. The disease delivers mass discomfort child, causing difficulty sleeping and breathing. In most cases, rhinitis is a complication of infectious respiratory pathologies, the therapy of which was carried out incorrectly. Before treating a chronic runny nose in a small child or teenager, the pediatrician will conduct a series of laboratory research. This is necessary to establish the cause of rhinitis and evaluate general condition health. AT therapeutic regimen nasal pathology may include immunomodulators, antibiotics, antihistamines.

Basic principles of treatment

Prolonged runny nose is diagnosed in children much more often than in adults. The nasal passages in babies are narrow and are at the stage of formation, and the area of \u200b\u200bthe mucous membrane is small. There are still too few glands in it to cope with infectious or allergic agents. Therefore, without proper treatment, a prolonged runny nose in children may not go away for a month. This does not mean that it will disappear after all - rhinitis will take on a chronic stage of the course, dangerous for its complications.

To the treatment of prolonged nasal congestion in young children is practiced A complex approach consisting of the following activities:

frequent rinsing of the nose;
inhalation;
the use of vasoconstrictor drops;
course intake of multivitamins with trace elements;
treatment of comorbidities.

Protracted snot in a small child appears and natural causes such as during teething. AT this case pediatricians recommend rinsing children's noses with isotonic sodium solution 5-6 times a day or using pharmaceutical preparations in the form of nasal sprays or drops. Chronic rhinitis develops in a child living in a room with an unsuitable microclimate. Dry stale air seriously worsens the condition of the nasal mucosa.

Treatment of a protracted runny nose of any etiology (viral, allergic, bacterial) should begin with the creation of a comfortable environment for children, which significantly speeds up recovery:

Humidity. To increase the concentration of water vapor in the room, you can purchase a household air humidifier, carry out frequent cleaning, or hang a wet cloth on the heating radiator.
Temperature. In the room where the sick baby is located, the air temperature should vary between 21–23 ° C. More high values have a negative effect on the nasal mucosa and contribute to the rapid spread of infectious and allergic agents.
Fresh air. It is necessary to air the child's room several times a day. A constant supply of fresh air has a positive effect on microcirculation in the sinuses.

If the baby does not have high temperature, then walks in the nearest square or park will help to cope with a protracted runny nose. Chronic rhinitis does not go away for a long time due to reduced immunity. Walking or playing on the playground will increase the body's resistance to bacterial and viral pathogens, strengthen the defenses.

Cope with a protracted runny nose of bacterial or viral origin will help vasoconstrictor drops into the nose

Nasal lavage

Before medical procedure mucus accumulated there should be removed from the nasal passages. An older child should blow his nose well, and newborns and toddlers will need the help of parents. On the shelves of pharmacies is present a wide range of aspirators. Devices are simpler in appearance and functionally similar to a small-volume syringe. More expensive models (Otrivin) are equipped with interchangeable nozzles and a hollow tube for mucus suction. After cleansing the sinuses, rinse the child's nose thoroughly. What is it for:

remove severe puffiness;
stop the inflammatory process;
remove infectious and allergic agents from the mucous membrane;
remove toxic compounds that release viruses and bacteria in the course of their life;
prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms into the lower respiratory tract.

Washing the nose with a prolonged runny nose - essential part treatment, often helping to avoid the use of antibiotics and sulfonamides in children. Procedures are carried out at home using a warm saline solution. For its preparation, a teaspoon of stone or sea salt dilute in a liter of boiled water and strain. Pharmacies sell 0.9% sodium chloride solution, packaged in bottles of 100, 200, 400 ml, at a very affordable price. Under the beautiful name "water of the Adriatic Sea" hides the usual salt solution. It is part of the following drugs:

Morenazole;
Aqua Maris;
Physiomer;
Aqualor Baby;
Rinosol.

Infusions are great for washing the nose medicinal plants: chamomile, calendula, sage, St. John's wort. Herbs contain essential oils, phytoncides, flavonoids and organic acids exhibiting pronounced anti-inflammatory and disinfectant activity. To prepare useful infusion, you should pour a tablespoon of dry vegetable raw materials with a glass of boiling water, leave for two hours and strain.

Inhalations

Experienced parents are well aware of how to cure a prolonged runny nose in a child quickly and effectively. To do this, use ultrasonic or compressor nebulizer and isotonic sodium chloride solution, which is poured into a special compartment of the device. During operation, the drug is converted into a fine vapor, which is evenly distributed on the nasal mucosa. This form of the drug allows you to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect:

nasal congestion disappears and the child's breathing is facilitated;
the mucous membranes of the nasal passages are moistened;
the severity of edema decreases.

With abundant accumulation thick mucus in the nose, tightly attached to inner wall, the pediatrician recommends using mucolytic solutions with acetylcysteine for inhalation. After the drug enters the nasal mucosa, the viscosity of sputum decreases, and it is easily evacuated when blown out.

For inhalation, you can use an ordinary enameled cup or small saucepan. There are advantages to this type of treatment. The fact is that most nebulizers are not designed to use infusions. medicinal herbs and essential oils. But with the help of a conventional container, you can easily carry out physiotherapy manipulation. To stop the inflammatory process and facilitate the baby's breathing, essential oils of such plants are used:

thyme;
lemon or peppermint;
eucalyptus;
fir, spruce, pine;
marigold.

If the runny nose does not go away for a long time, then you need to add 4-5 drops of any essential oil per liter hot water and mix thoroughly. Then tilt the child over the container and cover him with his head terry towel. One inhalation session lasts about 10 minutes, and 2-3 procedures are allowed during the day. Instead of essential oils, you can use herbal infusions.

Well eliminates nasal congestion combined decoctions of thyme, mint and eucalyptus leaves. Procedures are contraindicated for children with individual sensitivity to essential oils due to the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction. Also, inhalations are not carried out at elevated body temperature or an acute inflammatory process occurring in the body.

During the treatment of a chronic runny nose in children, you can remove mucus from the nasal passages using an aspirator

Nasal congestion treatment

To ease the breathing of young children and adolescents, pediatricians prescribe vasoconstrictor nasal sprays and drops. The active ingredient in most of them is xylometazoline. it chemical compound narrows blood vessels and eliminates swelling of the mucous membrane. Thanks to the relief of breathing and the return of the sense of smell, children's appetite improves and falling asleep is stabilized. What kind local funds a pediatrician may prescribe for the treatment of a protracted runny nose:

Tizin Xylo;
Xymelin;
Galazolin;
Xylene;
Rinostop.

In spite of high efficiency vasoconstrictor drops and sprays, the duration of their use should not exceed five days. This group of drugs has a significant drawback - they provoke addiction. That is, the child has difficulty breathing, it seems to him that without a spray and drops he can suffocate, although his nasal mucous membranes are in perfect order. It is very difficult to get rid of this form of addiction, therefore, one should not neglect the medical recommendations on the duration of the course of treatment.

Many pediatricians prefer to prescribe herbal nasal remedies for nasal congestion to children.

These drugs include spray and drops Pinosol with essential oils of eucalyptus and pine. There is also an ointment of the same name, intended for application to the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. Pinosol can be used in the treatment of children older than three years and is not suitable for those babies who have individual sensitivity to essential oils.

Treatment of infectious chronic rhinitis

Quite often, self-medication becomes the cause of the development of chronic rhinitis. Parents use drops and sprays to eliminate nasal congestion. Indeed, the child's breathing improves for some time, but the factor provoking a prolonged runny nose has not disappeared anywhere. In its role are usually viruses and pathogenic bacteria- causative agents of tonsillitis, bronchitis, influenza, tracheitis, sinusitis. If they are not removed in a timely manner from the upper respiratory tract, then there is a high probability of developing serious complications, for example, atrophic rhinitis.

A solution of colloidal silver quickly and effectively copes even with a prolonged runny nose in children

Bacterial

The results of laboratory studies of a biological sample will help to establish the species of an infectious agent. If pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci are detected, the pediatrician includes antibacterial or antimicrobial drops and sprays:

Isofra;
Vibrocil;
Rinofluimucil;
Polydex;
Bioparox.

The course application of these allows you to quickly and effectively treat protracted thick snot. When a runny nose occurs against a background of bacterial respiratory infection, then the doctor will prescribe antibiotic suspensions or syrups for the baby. Preparations are selected individually, taking into account the results laboratory diagnostics. As a rule, protected semi-synthetic penicillins (Panklav, Augmentin, Amoxiclav, Flemoklav) or macrolides (Azithromycin, Clarithromycin) become drugs of first choice.

In the treatment of chronic rhinitis, Protargol solution has proven itself well. it organic compound colloidal silver can be used to treat children from two years of age. 1% or 2% Protargol solution destroys pathogenic microorganisms, stops inflammation, sanitizes the nasal passages. The drug can be purchased at large pharmacies, where they manufacture ointments, suspensions, emulsions according to doctor's prescriptions. Colloidal silver is also part of the Sialor drug, which is available in the form of nasal drops and spray.

Viral

A runny nose may not go away for a long time in a child after viral disease. So serious residual effect indicates incorrectly selected medicines used in the treatment of influenza, tonsillitis, bronchiolitis or non-compliance with the recommendations of the pediatrician. Modern antiviral drugs are not used to eliminate chronic rhinitis. Firstly, doctors are extremely skeptical about the action of most of them (Arbidol, Anaferon, Kagocel) due to the lack of an evidence base for their effectiveness. Secondly, drugs whose antiviral activity is confirmed clinical trials(Tamiflu, Relenza), used only on initial stage respiratory disease.

For the treatment of a protracted runny nose of viral origin, the following are used:

frequent rinsing with saline solutions;
inhalation;
coursework balanced vitamin complexes with trace elements - Supradin, Pikovit, Vitamishki, Multitabs, Centrum.

If the baby's immunity is weakened, then pediatricians to strengthen defensive forces the child's body is prescribed immunostimulants and (or) immunomodulators. Tsitovir, Immunal, lemongrass tinctures have proven themselves well, pink rhodiola, ginseng and eleutherococcus. Viferon rectal suppositories, nasal drops and spray Grippferon, Interferon in solution are used as immunomodulators. They do not show side effects and are used in the treatment of prolonged rhinitis in babies from the first day of life.

In the treatment of a child with an allergic lingering rhinitis, antihistamine sprays and drops are used.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

lingering runny nose allergic origin in recent times diagnosed very often. Doctors attribute this to poor ecology, various food additives and an abundance of household chemicals on store shelves. When various compounds of the gland enter the nasal passages, they produce mucus, which causes a constant runny nose. The resistance of the child's body to allergic agents is low, so it develops rapidly given form rhinitis. In addition to nasal congestion, the child may experience sneezing, watery eyes, and in some cases itchy skin.

Allergic rhinitis responds well to antihistamine nasal drops and sprays:

Cromoglin;
Allergodil;
Nasonex;
Kromoheksal;
Flixonase.

Of no small importance in the treatment of protracted rhinitis is the conduct of special tests to identify an allergic agent. If nasal congestion occurs during spring flowering trees and shrubs, the first suspicion falls on the pollen. Often, bird feathers, animal hair, new household chemicals (washing powder, furniture polish) act as allergic agents.

The treatment of any runny nose in children should only be handled by a pediatrician. If necessary, doctors are involved in therapy narrow specialization- otolaryngologist, allergist, immunologist. If a child has nasal congestion lasting more than three days, parents should contact medical institution for qualified help.

Many parents are worried about a long runny nose in a child. It can drag on for weeks or even months. Is it worth worrying, and how to treat children? When is there really a cause for alarm, and what do pediatricians say about this topic?

Not all parents take rhinitis seriously. No wonder there is a saying among the people that without treatment it takes a week, and with therapy in seven days. But when the disease becomes protracted, there is no need to postpone a visit to the doctor. After all, a serious infection can be the cause of a prolonged runny nose.

Stages of development

First, it is worth deciding on the answer to the question, when can we say that a runny nose is long-term. Doctors are unanimous in this regard: the protracted nature of rhinitis is evidenced by the fact that it is impossible to get rid of it within three weeks. In this case, you can not sit idly by. It is necessary to undergo an examination by specialists to determine the causes of the disease.

What causes a long runny nose? The first stage lasts from five to seven days. The disease is in its infancy. The child has discharge: liquid and transparent. At this stage, the patient usually does not experience much discomfort.

If the child could not be cured in a week, the nature of the discharge changes. They become thicker, acquire greenish tint. At this stage, accompanying symptoms appear:

headache;
a feeling of congestion in the ears;
sore throat.

Then comes the third stage, when it is urgently time to go to the doctor and look for the answer to the question of how to treat the child. The mucus enters paranasal sinuses causing the patient's voice to become nasal. It is becoming more and more difficult to remove discharge by blowing your nose, there is pain in the forehead and cheeks. Patients complain about and smell.

anxiety symptoms

Sometimes the child does not feel discomfort, and the discharge from the nose does not stop. Parents remain calm when the baby is active and cheerful. But even in this case, a visit to the doctor will not hurt, because the problem still needs to be fought. Only a specialist will understand what is the cause of rhinitis in order to establish how to properly treat a prolonged runny nose in a child.

But it is especially important for moms and dads to know about the symptoms that indicate that the doctor's help is needed immediately. The following facts are alarming:

a runny nose lasts three weeks or longer, and the discharge is thick, dark yellow or green;
the child complains of a headache;
at little patient subfebrile temperature is kept all the time;
the baby refuses to eat, is apathetic and weak;
rashes appear on the skin or there is stomatitis in the mouth;
a blood test demonstrates that an inflammatory process is taking place in the body;
the skin over the maxillary and nasal sinuses turned red, and when pressed, the child complains of soreness.

Causes of prolonged runny nose

Even if mommy thinks that the baby is quite healthy, and only the discharge irritates him a little, you still should not postpone a visit to the doctor when the runny nose lasts at least three weeks, or even dragged on for a month. Because such a phenomenon is not unreasonable. The body demonstrates that it needs help, which means it's time to go to the pediatrician. It is possible that he will prescribe a comprehensive examination and send to other specialists.

The causes of a prolonged runny nose can be divided into three broad groups:

infectious nature;
allergic origin;
result improper treatment.

Inflammation can occur against the background of pathogens entering the sinuses. Then the doctor will declare sinusitis. It seems harmless, but it can lead to serious complications if treatment is not taken in time. AT severe cases sinusitis can lead to otitis media and even meningitis.

When it is not possible to say goodbye to a runny nose for 3 weeks or longer, there is a risk that the child has sinusitis. It occurs as a complication after a cold or flu. it serious illness not allowing self-treatment. With sinusitis, pus accumulates in the sinuses, which leads to a constant inflammatory process.

However, modern mothers are increasingly complaining that they do not know how to cure a runny nose, as doctors claim there is no infection and inflammation. It is worth suspecting that the cause of rhinitis is an allergic reaction. She will seem innocent if everything is limited only to nasal discharge. In fact, the process cannot be started: an allergy can become threatening. For example, it results in bronchial asthma, which already significantly worsens the state of health and even poses a threat to life.

In some cases, it is not possible to say goodbye to a runny nose due to improper treatment. This is due to the abuse of nasal drops. They can dry out the mucous membranes, causing swelling and difficulty breathing. Then the process goes in a vicious circle.

Effective Treatments

picking up therapeutic methods should rely on recommendations experienced professionals. For many mothers, Dr. Komarovsky is the authority in this matter. And he really gives good advice which are worth following.

It is worth starting with creating a favorable atmosphere in the house. And this means that the humidity of the air must be maintained at 75%. Then the mucosa does not dry out, its puffiness subsides, and the fight against harmful microorganisms becomes effective. Because in a dry environment they are much more active.

Also, the specialist recommends abandoning vasoconstrictor drugs. It is better to rinse the spout with a solution of sea salt. It does not hurt to lubricate the nose with oils with vitamins A and E. Thanks to this, the mucous membranes recover faster and improve their work.

You can also use folk methods. But they resort to them, having received advice from a doctor. He must make sure that for a runny nose that lasts longer than 3 weeks, no dangerous reasons. Because in some situations, hospitalization is vital.

People recommend burying freshly squeezed into the nose: 2-3 drops in each passage. You can make another composition by combining 2 parts with 1 part of honey. And with such a tool, 5 drops are instilled into the nose, repeating the procedure after 4 hours.

Benefits will bring hot foot baths with mustard. Alternatively, mothers pour mustard powder in socks and put them on the child at night. However, it is better to try any folk methods in consultation with your doctor. Don't forget that natural remedies can cause an allergic reaction!

Preventive measures

In order not to encounter such a phenomenon as a prolonged runny nose in children, it is better to prevent it. To do this, it is important to strengthen the body: to establish proper nutrition, lead active image life, long walk on fresh air. If a child grows in the house, you should not create "greenhouse conditions" for him. As practice shows, children get sick less often when the air temperature in the room is in the range of 18-22 degrees, and the humidity is at 75%.

In the season of activation of viruses, it is worth adding to the diet products that have a beneficial effect on the immune system and destroy pathogenic microbes. Therefore, it is important that the child consumes fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh garlic and onions should be added to salads and other dishes. You can use aromatic lamps with oils that produce a bactericidal effect. Only if there is no allergic reaction!

If a child becomes ill, it is important to treat him by following the doctor's recommendations and following the instructions for pharmacological preparations. For example, isophra with a prolonged runny nose in a child is used, but not longer than 10 days. It is worth remembering that any medicine has healing effect if not abused!

The fight against a long runny nose is effective when proven methods are adopted. But it is better not to delay the treatment of rhinitis and consult a doctor in time.

It's been a week now, and the snot has not gone away, moreover, they have acquired yellow and green tones. "Surprise", of course, unpleasant. Mom and baby are already tired of the common cold, and there is no end to this problem. Indeed, we are already talking about prolonged snot in a child.

The usual procedures for cleansing the nasal passages do not give results, the baby's nose is blocked, and green color snot causes anxiety and confusion in parents. What to do and how to help the child? Definitely - run to the pediatrician and children's lore!

Where do lingering green snot come from in a child?

The very appearance of green snot is a signal that the bacteria have come to grips with the child's immune system. Runny nose turned into a complication. Most likely, the baby "caught" SARS, and did not cope with the viruses on his own. Weakened immunity of the baby and opened the "gate" for the entry of bacteria.

Bacteria spread rapidly through the bloodstream, and can affect not only the sinuses, but nearby organs.

The main thing is to exclude such diseases as:

sinusitis (inflammation maxillary sinuses);
frontal sinusitis (inflammatory process in the frontal sinuses);
ethmoiditis (inflammation of the ethmoid labyrinth);
otitis (inflammation of the middle ear).

All these inflammatory processes, as a rule, proceed with elevated body temperature, general malaise, pain in the nose, superciliary arches, maxillary sinuses. The appearance of a purulent process is considered dangerous. Almost always with sinusitis there is a green purulent discharge from the nose.

AT rare cases a purulent process can provoke the development of meningitis (inflammation of the meninges).

We wrote about how to overcome green snot in the article [green snot in a child at 3-4 years old].

Important! Parents of the baby, seeing green snot, should clearly know that these are non-physiological and non-allergic snot. Simple snot (physiological) is always transparent and well blown out.

Treatment of a chronic runny nose in a child

Try to get advice from the ENT, and do not treat the green snot in a child on your own. Follow strictly the treatment regimen prescribed by the doctor. Treatment will be selected taking into account the age and condition of the child.

How to treat lingering snot in infants

First of all, treatment should begin with cleansing the nose. To do this, 1-2 drops of saline solution are dripped into each nostril, which is prepared independently or purchased at a pharmacy. The crusts soften and come out of the nose.

If the nose is very stuffy, 0.01% Nazivin or other drugs based on oxymetazoline are used.

From the age of five months of a child's life, pediatricians recommend using the system otrivin baby. This is a very convenient tool that helps to clean and moisturize the nose due to salt drops, as well as to suck the nozzles with an aspirator. The system also includes interchangeable nozzles. learn correct methodology You can use video tutorials like this one.

After using the Otrivin baby system, the doctor may prescribe vasoconstrictor drops, such as xylene or vibrocil. These drops relieve puffiness, improve nasal breathing. Vibrocil has additional property- antiallergic. This makes it possible to treat a combined protracted runny nose when the baby suffers from allergies.

All vasoconstrictors prescribed only by a pediatrician or children's lore. An overdose of these drugs is fraught with unpleasant and dangerous complications.

Under no circumstances should you drip breast milk into the nose. Such a "treatment" is an excellent breeding ground. pathogenic microflora, which causes purulent processes in the nasal cavity and the spread of infection.

When proven viral origin prolonged runny nose, interferon preparations are often used in drops. They are prescribed 2 drops three times a day. The most commonly used is influenza. Before using interferons, do not forget to first clean the baby's nose with saline, and suck out the mucus with an aspirator.

Some parents have been using beet juice, aloe, kalanchoe since 8-9 months. But, most likely, the doctor will not offer them, especially in cases where there is diathesis and other allergic reactions in the baby.

Although it would be unreasonable to refuse these funds if the baby is not allergic. In this case, simply dilute the juice with warm boiled water in a ratio of 1: 1 and drip 2 drops three times a day.

All warming procedures for prolonged green and yellow snot require consultation with a doctor. A direct contraindication to them are purulent processes of the nasal and other sinuses.

Treatment for a chronic runny nose infancy has its own characteristics and requires special vigilance of parents. Check out a few rules that will help not harm the baby:

follow the exactly prescribed dosage of drugs (do not drip 3 drops if 2 are prescribed);
do not use sprays in infants;
remove the nipple from your mouth when sucking mucus from the spout;
to clean the nose, use flagella, aspirators, mini-syringes;
the solution for instillation should be at room temperature.

How to treat a prolonged runny nose in infants

What medicines are allowed for the treatment of the common cold after one year of age?

Currently for the treatment of lingering green or yellow snot the following drugs are used in children:

vibrocil ( combination drug with all forms of the common cold);
protorgol (excellent antiseptic based on silver);
rhinopront (a remedy for allergic and infectious rhinitis, constricts blood vessels);
vasoconstrictor drugs: xylometazoline, nazivin, tizin, oxymetazoline (take these drugs for a maximum of 5 days);
polydex with phenylephrine (used for acute and chronic rhinitis);
pinosol ( homeopathic drops based on essential oils, have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects);
pharmaceutical saline solutions based on sea water, there are many of them: aqualor, quicks, salin and others;
rinofluimucil (combination drug for the treatment of the common cold and sinusitis);
antibiotics, eg isophra;
sinupret (homeopathic drops with a pronounced anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effect);
antihistamines: loratadine, erius, claritin and others.

All drugs are prescribed only by a doctor! It should be remembered that even homeopathic remedies in large doses may harm the baby.

Except medicines methods are used that help to quickly restore the body from the disease, as well as prevent the recurrence of rhinitis in the future. These include:

cleansing and washing the nose of the child at least three times a day throughout the illness;
daily wet cleaning of the children's room and airing (always);
creating a comfortable temperature in the nursery (about 20 degrees);
walks with the baby in the fresh air in the absence elevated temperature body;
reinforced drinking regimen with the use of vitamin drinks: fruit drinks, compotes, juices, herbal teas (during a cold);
if you experience pain in the head and sinuses - immediately contact the children's ENT.

A good effect is given by the following physiotherapeutic methods of treatment, which can be done in the clinic:

electrophoresis;
UHF or microwave;
UV (ultraviolet radiation);
laser therapy;
magnetotherapy;
other.

All these procedures are released only in the direction of the attending physician. Usually appoint a course of 5-10 procedures.

If green or yellow lingering snot bothers a child under 1 year old, then a doctor's consultation is definitely needed.

Green snot in a child can also be successfully cured with folk methods how to do it - we wrote in the article [treatment of green discharge from the nose with folk remedies].

How to prevent the appearance of green and yellow lingering snot in children?

chief prophylactic, which will protect against viruses and colds, as well as prevent the development of a protracted runny nose with green snot, is the creation of a set of conditions for the stable functioning of the child's immune system, and in particular:

rational nutrition (include more fiber in the diet);
charger;
walks in the fresh air at any time of the year;
rest on the sea coast and coniferous forests;
sport games;
hardening (contrast shower);
visiting the pool;
getting up and going to bed at the same time;
dosed viewing of TV programs;
the use of vitamins in the autumn-winter period;
usage oxolinic ointment during the epidemic of influenza and SARS.

Chronic runny nose in children disrupts the rhythm of visiting kindergartens, schools, and also creates problems for parents who are constantly forced to take sick leave. Prevention is the basis of health, because it is better to prevent illness than to waste time, nerves and money on fighting lingering snot!

Treatment lingering snot- an answer from a qualified lore

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